Broken elevator traps 25 on national library’s opening day

2014-06-13

From wire reports, RIGA

On opening day of the ''Palace of Light'' National Library, on June 12, 25 people got stuck in one of the building's elevators between the first and second floors of the building, said the State Fire and Rescue Service, reports LETA.

Rescuers received a call out to the scene at 1:17 p.m. and were told that some of those stuck in the elevator began to feel ill.

Engineers attempted to resolve the crisis using its elevator’s emergency system, but this failed.

Rescuers were able to get oxygen to those inside the elevator through an opening. Ultimately, the rescue was successful and all reached safety.

Despite the elevator mishap, those who attended the opening day say it was well worth it.

Latvian National Library spokesman Augusts Zilberts said over 1,000 people had visited the building by mid-afternoon.

Regarding the bad elevator, the library’s director Andris Vilks said, ''We apologize for this technical mishap and are thankful for the patience of our visitors,'' adding that an investigation into the incident will be carried out so that nothing like this repeats itself.

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